The Air & Space Institute(ASI) Newark was proud to host the first cultural sector celebration event organised for the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Veronica Pickering.
The event provided an opportunity to bring together organisations from the arts, culture, creative, heritage and digital sectors to celebrate their achievements and strengthen partnerships across the county.
The evening highlighted the outstanding work of the Lieutenancy and showcased the rich and diverse cultural offer available throughout Nottinghamshire. It also reflected the importance that His Majesty the King places on culture, community and civic life.
The Lord-Lieutenant, Professor Veronica Pickering OBE MBS HAC, said: “It was a real pleasure to bring together leaders from across Nottinghamshire’s arts and heritage sector to celebrate the extraordinary contribution they make to our county. Through their passion, creativity and vision, they enrich lives, inspire communities, bring people together and help shape the identity and character of Nottinghamshire.
“Our arts and heritage organisations are far more than custodians of our culture and history; they are vital to the strength, vibrancy and wellbeing of our communities. They create opportunities, foster a sense of pride and belonging, and ensure that culture remains accessible and relevant to people across our county.
“As Lord-Lieutenant, I am immensely proud to support His Majesty the King by recognising and championing the people and organisations making such a positive difference to our communities. It was wonderful to shine a light on the exceptional leadership, talent and dedication within our cultural sector, and to celebrate the people whose work makes Nottinghamshire such a vibrant and special place.”
One hundred and sixty guests from across the sector enjoyed an evening of networking and celebration, supported by Air and Space Institute and ATTFE students. Students welcomed visitors, served refreshments and canapés, and engaged confidently with guests, sharing their experiences and demonstrating the positive impact of education and skills development within the region.
Penny Taylor MBE, Head of Newark College and the Air and Space Institute said: “We are incredibly proud of all the young people, whose enthusiasm, professionalism and creativity made this event such a success. The students played a vital role in celebrating the cultural sector and demonstrating the talent, skills and hospitality of ASI and ATTFE’s students. As a college who deliver’s world-renowned courses in musical instrument craft making ensuring that these valued traditions continue to thrive for future generations. These examples demonstrate something fundamental: education must be about more than qualifications and employment outcomes. It must also nurture curiosity, imagination, creativity, and pride in achievement.”
Amanda Farr, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, said ‘The evening was a great success with many leaders from the cultural and heritage community in the county coming together at the wonderful ASI to be thanked for all they do. The Lord Lieutenant also paid tribute to the plethora of volunteers that work tirelessly in our communities to make cultural activities happen. .The students form ASI and ATTFE who helped run and cater at the event were a credit to their institutions. As were the Newark Town Concert Development Band. Thank you, Newark, for hosting such a fabulous event’
Rebecca Blackwood, Founder Coreset and Chair of Primary “Newark is a town where the past is very much part of the present, and its historic siege coin is a powerful symbol of ingenuity and determination. There’s a strong parallel with arts and cultural, which, in challenging times, are not a luxury but essential. Creativity brings people together, gives us voice and helps make sense of the world. Newark’s replica coin was given as a tribute to the commitment and resilience of cultural leaders and as a reminder of the vital role they play in building stronger, connected communities.”
